Light weight cemented carbide for flow erosion components

ABSTRACT

A cemented carbide for a flow component for controlling the pressure and flow of well products includes in wt %: about 7 to about 9 Co; about 5 to about 7 Ni; about 19 to about 24 Ti C; about 1.5 to about 2.5 Cr 3 C 2 ; about 0.1 to about 0.3 Mo and balance of WC. A cemented carbide for fluid handling components and seal ring a comprises in wt %: about 1 to about 30 Ti C; about 12 to about 20 Co+Ni; about 0.5 to about 2.5 Cr; about 0.1 to about 0.3 Mo and balance of WC. A cemented carbide for fluid handling components and seal ring a comprises in wt %: about 15 to about 30 Ti C; about 5 to about 20 Ni; about 0.5 to about 2. Cr; about 0.5 to about 2.5 Mo and balance of WC.

TECHNICAL FIELD/INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present disclosure relates to cemented carbides for flow components,and more particularly to a flow control apparatus, fluid handlingcomponents and sealing rings with improved service life.

BACKGROUND

Seal rings are the key critical component in mechanical shaft seals forpumps. Cemented carbides show a good mechanical performance in this kindof application. However, energy consumption and corrosion resistance isan issue in pumps. If the weight of the cemented carbide seal ring canbe reduced, so will the energy consumption. A reduction in weight willalso reduce the cost of the seal rings and in turn the cost of the pump.

One of the most important properties for seal rings is corrosionresistance. During operation of the pump, the seal surface will beexposed to the pumping media which can often be corrosive. Corrosionduring life of a seal ring will lead to the binder being dissolved. Thiswill lead to the increased wear of the seal ring. When this happensthere will be a significant increase in the amount fluid leaking fromthe pump. There is need for a corrosion resistant cheaper tungstencarbide seal ring.

Similarly, cemented carbide flow components, the primary function ofwhich is to control the pressure and flow of well products used in, forexample, the oil and gas industry where components are subjected to highpressures of multi-media fluid where there is a corrosive environment.

Light-weight cemented carbide for improved service life of can punchesis disclosed in EP2439294B1, assigned to the assignee of the presentdisclosure. The cemented carbide has a hard phase comprising WC and abinder phase, wherein the cemented carbide composition comprises, inwt-%, from 50 to less than 70 WC, from 15 to 30 TiC, and from 12 to 20Co+Ni.

SUMMARY

It is an aspect of the present disclosure to provide a cemented carbidefor a flow control component with improved service life.

It is another aspect of the present disclosure to provide a light weightcemented carbide for fluid handling components and seal ring havingimproved corrosion resistance.

The present disclosure therefore relates to a cemented carbide for aflow control component for controlling the pressure and flow of wellproducts comprising in wt % about 7 to about 9 Co; about 5 to about 7Ni; about 19 to about 24 TiC; about 1.5 to about 2.5 Cr₃C₂; and about0.1 to about 0.3 Mo; and the balance WC.

In an embodiment, the cemented carbide composition as definedhereinabove or hereinafter has an average grain size of 0.80 μm measuredby FSSS (Fisher Sub Sieve Sizer). In an embodiment, the cemented carbidecomposition as defined hereinabove or hereinafter comprises from about20 to about 22 wt % TiC, such as about 21 wt % TiC.

In an embodiment, the cemented carbide composition as definedhereinabove or hereinafter comprises from about 1.8 to about 2.2 wt %Cr₃C₂, such as about 2 wt % Cr₃C₂.

In an embodiment, the cemented carbide composition as definedhereinabove or hereinafter comprises from about 5.3 to about 6.0 wt %Ni, such as about 5.7 wt % Ni.

In an embodiment, the cemented carbide composition as definedhereinabove or hereinafter comprises from about 8.0 to about 8.6 wt %Co, such as about 8.3 wt % Co.

In an embodiment, the cemented carbide composition as definedhereinabove or hereinafter comprises from about 0.15 to about 0.25 wt %Mo, such as about 0.2 wt % Mo.

In an embodiment, the cemented carbide composition as definedhereinabove or hereinafter has a density of from about 9.6 to about 10.2g/cm³, such as of from about 9.8 to about 10 g/cm³.

In an embodiment, the cemented carbide composition as definedhereinabove or hereinafter has a hardness of from about 1350 to about1500 HV30.

In an embodiment, the cemented carbide composition as definedhereinabove or hereinafter has a toughness of about 8.5 to 9.5 MPa·√m.

In an embodiment, the cemented carbide composition as definedhereinabove or hereinafter comprises a balance of WC, such as 50 wt % toabout 69 wt %.

The present disclosure also relates to a second cemented carbide forfluid handling components and seal ring comprising in wt %; about 15 toabout 30 TiC; about 12 to about 20 Co+Ni; about 0.5 to about 2.5 Cr₃C₂;and about 0.1 to about 0.3 Mo and the balance WC.

In an embodiment, the second cemented carbide composition as definedhereinabove or hereinafter comprises from about 19.8 to about 21.8 wt %TiC, such as about 20.8 wt % TiC.

In an embodiment, the second cemented carbide composition as definedhereinabove or hereinafter comprises from about 1.8 to about 2.2 wt %Cr₃C₂, such as about 2 wt % Cr₃C₂.

In an embodiment, the second cemented carbide composition definedhereinabove or hereinafter comprises from about 5.3 to about 5.9 wt %Ni, such as about 5.6 wt % Ni.

In an embodiment, the second cemented carbide composition as definedhereinabove or hereinafter comprises from about 7.9 to about 8.5 wt %Co, such as about 8.2 wt % Co. In an embodiment, the second cementedcarbide composition as defined hereinabove or hereinafter comprises fromabout 0.15 to about 0.25 wt % Mo, such as about 0.2 wt % Mo.

In an embodiment, the second cemented carbide composition as definedhereinabove or hereinafter comprises of from about 62.2 to about 64.2 wt% WC, such as about 63.2 wt % WC.

In an embodiment, the second cemented carbide composition as definedhereinabove or hereinafter has a density of from about 9.6 to about 10.2g/cm³, such as of from about 9.8 to about 10 g/cm³.

In an embodiment, the second cemented carbide composition as definedhereinabove or hereinafter has a hardness of from about 1350 to about1500 HV30.

In an embodiment, the second cemented carbide composition as definedhereinabove or hereinafter has a toughness of about 8.5 to 9.5 MPa·√m.

In an embodiment, the second cemented carbide composition has an averagegrain size of about 4 to about 8 μm.

The present disclosure also relates to a third cemented carbide forfluid handling components and seal ring comprising in wt % about 15 toabout 30 TiC; about 5 to about 20 Ni; about 0.5 to about 2.5 Cr₃C₂; andabout 0.5 to about 2.5 Mo; and the balance WC.

In an embodiment, the third cemented carbide composition as definedhereinabove or hereinafter comprises from about 20 to about 23 wt % TiC,such as about 20 to about 22 wt % TiC.

In an embodiment, the third cemented carbide composition as definedhereinabove or hereinafter comprises from about 0.8 to about 1.5 wt %Cr₃C₂, such as about 0.95 to about 1.3 wt % Cr₃C₂.

In an embodiment, the third cemented carbide composition as definedhereinabove or hereinafter comprises from about 9.5 to about 14.5 wt %Ni, such as about 10 to about 14 wt % Ni.

In an embodiment, the third cemented carbide composition as definedhereinabove or hereinafter comprises from about 0.7 to about 1.6 wt %Mo, such as about 0.95 to about 1.3 wt % Mo.

In an embodiment, the third cemented carbide composition as definedhereinabove or hereinafter comprises about 62 to about 66 wt % WC. In anembodiment, the third cemented carbide composition as definedhereinabove or hereinafter has a density of from about 9.8 to about 10.4g/cm³, such as of from about 10.02 to about 10.2 g/cm³.

In an embodiment, the third cemented carbide composition as definedhereinabove or hereinafter has a hardness of from about 1390 to about1550 HV30.

In an embodiment, the third cemented carbide composition as definedhereinabove or hereinafter has a toughness of from about 8.5 to about9.3 MPa·√m.

In an embodiment, the third cemented carbide composition as definedhereinabove or hereinafter has an average WC grain size of from about9.9 μm to about 1.3 μm, such as of about 1.05 μm to about 1.15 μmmeasured by FSSS. The foregoing summary, as well as the followingdetailed description of the embodiments, will be better understood whenread in conjunction with the appended drawings. It should be understoodthat the embodiments depicted are not limited to the precisearrangements and instrumentalities shown.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an optical microscopy image of an embodiment of the presentdisclosure of cemented carbide for a flow control apparatus and a sealring.

FIG. 2 is a scanning electron microscope (SEM) image of the embodimentof FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an SEM image of another embodiment of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an SEM image of a comparative example.

FIG. 5 is an SEM image of an embodiment of cemented carbide for a sealring.

FIG. 6 is an SEM image of another embodiment of cemented carbide for aseal ring.

FIG. 7 is an SEM image of another embodiment of cemented carbide for aseal ring.

FIG. 8 is an SEM image of another embodiment of cemented carbide for aseal ring.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

As used herein, the term “about” means plus or minus 10% of thenumerical value of the number with which it is being used. Therefore,about 50% means in the range of 45%-55%.

As will be described fully herein, embodiments of the present disclosurerelate to cemented carbides for flow components (herein, the term“component” means parts or pieces), particularly for seal rings and forchoke trim components used in the oil and gas industry, where thecomponents are subjected to high pressures of multi-media fluid andwhere there is a corrosive environment, particularly for choke valvecomponents whose primary function of which is to control the pressureand flow of well products, such as pumps. Under severe conditions ofmulti flow media; these components may suffer from extreme mass loss byexposure to solid particle erosion, acidic corrosion erosion-corrosionsynergy and cavitation mechanisms even when fitted with cemented carbidetrims. The components will also suffer due to galvanic corrosion due toa electropotential difference between the binder and the housing for theflow control part.

The light weight cemented material can also be used in, for example,seal rings, to reduce the weight of the seal ring. In order to improvethe corrosion resistance the light weight cemented carbide of thepresent disclosure can have a Ni—Cr—Mo binder.

An embodiment of a light weight cemented carbide for use in flowcomponents, such as seal rings has a composition in wt % of about 15 toabout 30 TiC, about 12 to about 20 Co+Ni, about 0.5 to about 2.5 Cr; andabout 0.1 to about 0.3 Mo and the balance WC. The WC may have an averagesintered grain size of about 0.5 μm. The sintered structure is alsoshown in FIGS. 1 and 2.

Seal rings are the key critical component in mechanical shaft seals forpumps. Cemented carbide show a good mechanical performance in this kindof application. The cemented carbide seal rings of the presentdisclosure have a reduced weight and therefore allow for less energyconsumption. Furthermore, the cemented carbide seal rings have improvedapplication relevant properties, such as improved corrosion resistance.

Referring to FIG. 1, the first cemented carbide for a flow component,LW, as defined hereinabove or hereinafter and used, for example, in aflow control apparatus, has the following composition ranges in weight%: about 7 to about 9 wt % Co, about 5 to about 7 wt % Ni, about 19 toabout 24 wt % TiC, about 1.5 to about 2.5 wt % Cr₃C₂, about 0.1 to about0.3 wt % Mo and the balance WC.

The hardness of the cemented carbide component as defined hereinabove orhereinafter may be of from about 1350 to about 1500 HV30 (IS03878), thetoughness (KIc) being about 8.5 to about 9.5 MPa·√m by indentationtechnique according to KIc (SEVNB)>8.5 MPa·√m and the transverse rupturestrength (TRS) according to IS03327 type C>1700 N/mm².

The WC in the first, second or third cemented carbide may have anaverage sintered grain size of about 0.8 μm and the (Ti,W)C (titaniumtungsten carbide) in the first, second or third cemented carbide mayhave an average sintered grain size of about 1.5 μm according toIS04499-2-2010.

The carbon content within the sintered cemented carbide as definedhereinabove or hereinafter should be kept within a narrow range in orderto retain a high resistance to corrosion and wear, as well as have ahigh toughness. The carbon level of the sintered structure is held inthe lower portion of the range between free carbon in the microstructure(top limit) and eta-phase initiation (bottom limit).

Magnetic saturation measurements for the magnetic binder phase of thesintered cemented carbide is expressed in terms of μT m³ kg-1 and relateto the nature of the combined multi element binder. For the sinteredmaterial according to the disclosure, this should lie between 80% and90% of the 2-phase field of the binder. No eta-phase or graphite ispermitted in the sintered structure. The sintered structure is shown inFIG. 1.

The re-passivity of the embodiment, depicted as LW is improved due tothe significant addition of TiWC hard phase added to the composition.Corrosion resistance was determined using the ASTM G61. ASTM G61 coversa procedure for conducting potentiodynamic polarization measurements.See Table 1 below showing the results of ASTM G61 comparing anembodiment with a comparative example.

TABLE 1 ASTM G61 Evaluated parameters from polarization curves Eb EbEreprass Product 10 μm/cm² 100 μm/cm² 10 μm/cm² Comparative 24 46 −333Example LW 118 156 −76

“Eb” is the breakdown potential, at which localised corrosion occurs andis evaluated at two different criteria. The lower criterion of 10 μA/cm²may be considered to give an indication of the ease of initiation ofcorrosion. The difference between this and the higher criterion of 100μA/cm² provides an indication of the propagation process.

“Erepass” is the potential required to repassivate the specimen

Conventional powder metallurgical methods such as milling, drying,pressing, shaping, sintering and sinter hipping, which are used formanufacture of conventional cemented carbides are used to manufacturethe embodiments of the present disclosure.

EXAMPLES

It should be appreciated that the following examples are illustrative,non-limiting example. The compositions and results of the embodimentsare shown in Tables 2 and 3 below.

In the examples below the powders were sourced from the followingsuppliers: (W,Ti)C from Zhuzhou or HC Starck, Co from Umicore orFreeport, Ni from Inco, Mo from HC Starck and Cr₃C₂ from Zhuzhou or HCStarck

Example 1 (‘LW Flow Control’—Reference A)

Cemented carbide grades with the composition in wt-% 21 TiC; 8.3 Co;5.7; Ni; 0.2 Mo and 2 Cr₃C₂ with the balance of WC was produced using WCand (Ti,W)C powder with an average FSSS particle size (d₅₀) of 0.8 μmand about 3 μm, respectively. The cemented carbide samples were preparedfrom powders forming the hard constituents and powders forming thebinder. The powders were wet milled together with lubricant andanti-flocculating agent until a homogeneous mixture was obtained andgranulated by drying. The dried powder was pressed on the Tox press tobodies and ‘green machined’ before sintering. Sintering was performed at1360-1410° C. for about 1 hour in vacuum, followed by applying a highpressure, 50 bar Argon, at sintering temperature for about 30 minutes toobtain a dense structure before cooling.

The sintered cemented carbide structure comprises of some hexagonal WCwith an average grain size of 0.8 μm together with (Ti,W)C grains withan average grain size of 1.5 μm as measured using the linear interceptmethod.

The material has a hardness of about 1350 to about 1500 HV30 dependingon the selected composition and sinter temperature.

As shown in FIG. 3, the embodiment of the first cemented carbidedisclosure, LW shows improved wear resistance to scratch testing incomparison to a comparative example of a fine grained oil and gas gradewith 10.5 wt % binder (FIG. 4) with similar or hardness values. Testingwas carried out using a diamond stylus with a 20 μm radius tip at 200mN.

Wear resistance damage from scratching is considerably improved for anembodiment of the disclosure, LW, as shown by reduced ‘grey’ amorphousdamage in FIG. 3 as compared to the comparative example in FIG. 4.Further, corrosion resistance for an embodiment of the disclosure, LW,in seawater is improved and with better repassivity (See Table 1).

The hardness of the cemented carbide component may be about 1350 toabout 1500 HV30 (IS03878), the toughness (KIc) being about 8.7 MPa·√musing Palmqvisst toughness technique according to IS028079 or KIc (LW15,SEVNB)>8.5 MPa·√m and the transverse rupture strength (TRS) according toIS03327 type C>1700 N/mm².

Example 2 (‘LW Seal Ring’—Reference B)

A cemented carbide grades with the compositions in wt-% of about 63.2WC; about 20.8 TiC; about 2 Cr₃C₂; about 8.2 Co; about 5.6 Ni and about0.2 Mo was produced using WC powder with an average FSSS particle grainsize (d₅₀) of 4-8 μm, respectively. The sintered structure is shown inFIG. 5.

The cemented carbide samples were prepared from powders forming the hardconstituents and powders forming the binder. The powders were wet milledtogether with lubricant and anti-flocculating agent until a homogeneousmixture was obtained and granulated by drying. The dried powder waspressed on the Tox press to bodies and ‘green machined’ beforesintering. Sintering is performed at 1360-1410° C. for about 1 hour invacuum, followed by applying a high pressure, 50 bar Argon, at sinteringtemperature for about 30 minutes to obtain a dense structure beforecooling.

Another embodiment of the light weight cemented carbide for seal ringsaccording to the present disclosure, (LW+CR), has a composition of about15 to about 30 wt % TiC, about 5 to about 20 wt % Ni, about 0.5 to about2.5 wt % Cr, and about 0.5 to about 2.5 wt % Mo and the balance WC.

Example 3 (‘LW+CR Seal Ring’—Reference C)

A cemented carbide grades with the compositions in wt-% of about 66.04WC; about 21.95 TiC; about 0.95 Cr₃C₂; about 0.95 Mo; about 10.11 Niusing WC and (Ti,W)C powder with an average FSSS particle size (d₅₀) ofgreater than about 1 μm, for example 1.1 and 1.15 μm, respectively. Itshould be appreciated that a particle size of up to about 8 μm can beused.

The sintered structure is shown in FIG. 6.

The cemented carbide samples were prepared from powders forming the hardconstituents and powders forming the binder. The powders were wet milledtogether with lubricant and anti-flocculating agent until a homogeneousmixture was obtained and granulated by drying. The dried powder waspressed on the Tox press to bodies and ‘green machined’ beforesintering. Sintering is performed at 1360-1410° C. for about 1 hour invacuum, followed by applying a high pressure, 50 bar Argon, at sinteringtemperature for about 30 minutes to obtain a dense structure beforecooling.

The hardness of the cemented carbide component may be about 1550 HV30(IS03878), the toughness (KIc) being about 8.5 MPa·√m using Palmqvisttoughness technique according to ISO28079 and a density of about 10.2g/cm³.

Example 4 (‘LW+CR Seal Ring’—Reference D)

A cemented carbide grades with the compositions in wt-% of about 62.79WC; about 20.86 TiC; about 1.29 Cr₃C₂; about 1.29 Mo; about 13.78 Ni WCand (Ti,W)C powder with an average FSSS particle size (d₅₀) of greaterthan about 1 μm, for example 1.1 and 1.15 μm, respectively. It should beappreciated that a particle size of up to about 8 μm can be used.

The cemented carbide samples were prepared from powders forming the hardconstituents and powders forming the binder. The powders were wet milledtogether with lubricant and anti-flocculating agent until a homogeneousmixture was obtained and granulated by drying. The dried powder waspressed on the Tox press to bodies and ‘green machined’ beforesintering. Sintering is performed at 1360-1410° C. for about 1 hour invacuum, followed by applying a high pressure, 50 bar Argon, at sinteringtemperature for about 30 minutes to obtain a dense structure beforecooling.

The sintered structure is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8.

The hardness of the cemented carbide component may be about 1390 toabout 1400 HV30 (IS03878), the toughness (KIc) being about 8.6 to about9.3 MPa·√m using Palmqvist toughness technique according to ISO28079 anda density of about 10.02 to about 10.17 g/cm3.

The grades disclosed herein demonstrate improved corrosion resistance incomparison to a standard seal ring grade. Corrosion resistance wasdetermined using a modified test to ASTM G61. ASTM G61 covers aprocedure for conducting potentiodynamic polarization measurements. Themodification of this standard has been in the media used. Instead ofusing 3.5% NaCl solution in the tests, artificial seawater according toASTM D1141 was used as the media. Furthermore, the flushed port cellused in ASTM G61 was replaced by sealing the specimen with epoxy toavoid crevice corrosion on the edge of the sample.

The pitting potential was used as a measure for comparison. The higherthe value the better the corrosion resistance of the material. The valuemeasured for a standard seal ring grade was Epit=263 mV SCE. However,for the LW grade Epit=318 mV SCE showing improved corrosion resistance.

TABLE 2 Ref A B C D Sample LW flow LW seal LW + CR seal LW + CR controlring ring seal ring WC (wt %) balance 63.2 66.04 62.79 WC grain size 0.84.0-8.0 1.05-1.15 1.05-1.15 (μm) TiC (wt %) 21 20.8 21.95 20.86 Co (wt%) 8.3 8.2 0 0 Ni (wt %) 5.7 5.6 10.11 13.78 Mo (wt %) 0.2 0.2 0.95 1.29Cr₃C₂ (wt %) 2 2 0.95 1.29

TABLE 3 Ref A C D Sample LW flow control LW + CR seal ring LW + CR sealring Density 9.8-10  10.2 10.02-10.17 (gm/cm³) Hardness 1350-1500 15501390-1400 (Hv30) Toughness 9.5 8.5-9.5 8.6-9.3 (K1_(C))

Itemized List of Embodiments

1. A cemented carbide for a flow component for controlling the pressureand flow of well products the cemented carbide having a compositioncomprising in wt % of:

balance WC;

7 to 9 Co;

5 to 7 Ni;

19 to 24 TiC;

1.5 to 2.5 Cr₃C₂; and

0.1 to 0.3 Mo.

2. The cemented carbide for a flow component of item 1, wherein thecomposition comprises WC in an amount of from 50 wt % to 69 wt %.

3. The cemented carbide for a flow component of item 1 or 2, wherein thecomposition comprises 21 wt % TiC.

4. The cemented carbide for a flow component of any of the precedingitems, wherein the composition comprises 2 wt % Cr₃C₂.

5. The cemented carbide for a flow component of any of the precedingitems, wherein the composition comprises 5.7 wt % Ni.

6. The cemented carbide for a flow component of any of the precedingitems, wherein the composition comprises 8.3 wt % Co.

7. The cemented carbide for a flow component of any of the precedingitems, wherein the composition comprises 0.2 wt % Mo.

8. The cemented carbide for a flow component of any of the precedingitems, wherein the composition has a density of from 9.8 to 10 g/cm³, ahardness of from 1350 to 1550 HV30, a toughness of 9.5 MPa·√m.

9. The cemented carbide for a flow component of any of the precedingitems, wherein the composition has an average WC grain size of about 0.8μm.

10. A cemented carbide for a seal ring, the cemented carbide having acomposition comprising in wt %:

-   -   balance WC;    -   15 to 30 TiC;    -   2 to 20 Co+Ni;    -   0.5 to 2.5 Cr₃C₂; and    -   0.1 to 0.3 Mo.

11. The cemented carbide for fluid handling components and seal rings ofitem 10, wherein the composition comprises WC in an amount of 63.2 wt %.

12. The cemented carbide for fluid handling components and seal rings ofitem 10 or 11, wherein the composition comprises 20.8 wt % TiC.

13. The cemented carbide for fluid handling components and seal rings ofany of items 10-12, wherein the composition comprises 2 wt % Cr₃C₂.

14. The cemented carbide for fluid handling components and seal rings ofany of items 10-13, wherein the composition comprises 5.6 wt % Ni.

15. The cemented carbide for fluid handling components and seal rings ofany of items 10-14, wherein the composition comprises 8.2 wt % Co.

16. The cemented carbide for fluid handling components and seal rings ofany of items 10-15, wherein the composition comprises 0.2 wt % Mo.

17. The cemented carbide for fluid handling components and seal rings ofany of items 10-16, wherein cemented carbide composition has an averageWC grain size of about 0.8 μm.

18. The cemented carbide for fluid handling components and seal rings ofany of items 10-17, wherein the composition has a density of from 9.8 to10 g/cm³, a hardness of from 1350 to 1550 HV30, and a toughness of fromabout 8.7 MPa·√m.

19. The cemented carbide for fluid handling components and seal rings ofany of items 10-16, wherein cemented carbide composition has an averageWC grain size of from about 4 μm to about 8 μm.

20. A cemented carbide for fluid handling components and seal rings, thecemented carbide having a composition comprising in wt %:

15 to 30 TiC;

5 to 20 Ni;

0.5 to 2.5 Cr₃C₂;

0.5 to 2.5 Mo; and

balance WC.

21. The cemented carbide for fluid handling components and seal rings ofitem 20, wherein the composition comprises WC in an amount of from 62 to66 wt %.

22. The cemented carbide for fluid handling components and seal rings ofitem 20 or 21, wherein the composition comprises of from 20 to 22 wt %TiC.

23. The cemented carbide for fluid handling components and seal rings ofany of items 20-22, wherein the composition comprises of from 0.95 to1.3 wt % Cr₃C₂.

24. The cemented carbide for fluid handling components and seal rings ofany of items 20-23, wherein the composition comprises of from 10 to 14wt % Ni.

25. The cemented carbide for fluid handling components and seal rings ofany of items 20-24, wherein the composition comprises of from 0.95 to1.3 wt % Mo.

26. The cemented carbide for fluid handling components and seal rings ofany of items 20-25, wherein the composition has a density of from 10.02to 10.2 g/cm³, a hardness of from 1390 to 1550 HV30 and a toughness offrom 8.5 to about 9.3 MPa·√m.

Although the present embodiments have been described in relation toparticular aspects thereof, many other variations and modifications andother uses will become apparent to those skilled in the art. It ispreferred therefore, that the present embodiment(s) be limited not bythe specific disclosure herein, but only by the appended claims.

1. A cemented carbide for a flow component for controlling the pressureand flow of well products, the cemented carbide having a compositioncomprising in wt % (weight %) of: about 7 to about 9 Co; about 5 toabout 7 Ni; about 19 to about 24 TiC; about 1.5 to about 2.5 Cr₃C₂;about 0.1 to about 0.3 Mo; and balance WC.
 2. The cemented carbide for aflow component of claim 1, wherein the composition comprises about 20 toabout 22 wt % TiC.
 3. The cemented carbide for a flow componentaccording to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises from about 1.8to about 2.2 wt % Cr₃C₂.
 4. The cemented carbide for a flow componentaccording to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises from about 5.3to about 6.0 wt % Ni.
 5. The cemented carbide for a flow componentaccording to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises from about 8.0to about 8.6 wt % Co.
 6. The cemented carbide for a flow componentaccording to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises from about 0.15to about 0.25 wt % Mo.
 7. The cemented carbide for a flow componentaccording to claim 1, wherein the composition comprises WC of from about50 wt % to about 69 wt %.
 8. The cemented carbide for a flow componentaccording to claim 1, wherein the composition has a density of fromabout 9.6 to about 10.2 g/cm³.
 9. A cemented carbide for fluid handlingcomponents and seal rings, the cemented carbide having a compositioncomprising in wt %: about 15 to about 30 TiC; about 12 to about 20Co+Ni; about 0.5 to about 2.5 Cr₃C₂; about 0.1 to about 0.3 Mo; andbalance WC.
 10. The cemented carbide for fluid handling components andseal rings of claim 9, wherein the composition comprises from about 19.8to about 21.8 wt % TiC.
 11. The cemented carbide for fluid handlingcomponents and seal rings according to claim 9, wherein the compositioncomprises from about 1.8 to about 2.2 wt % Cr₃C₂.
 12. The cementedcarbide for fluid handling components and seal rings according to claim9, wherein the composition comprises from about 5.3 to about 5.9 wt %Ni.
 13. The cemented carbide for fluid handling components and sealrings according to claim 9, wherein the composition comprises from about7.9 to about 8.5 wt % Co.
 14. The cemented carbide for fluid handlingcomponents and seal rings according to claim 9, wherein the compositioncomprises from about 0.15 to about 0.25 wt % Mo.
 15. The cementedcarbide for fluid handling components and seal rings according to claim9, wherein the composition comprises WC in an amount of from about 62.2to about 64.2 wt %.
 16. The cemented carbide for fluid handlingcomponents and seal rings according to claim 9, wherein the compositionhas a density of from about 9.6 to about 10.2 g/cm³.
 17. The cementedcarbide for fluid handling components and seal rings according to claim9, wherein the composition has an average WC grain size of from about 4μm to about 8 μm.
 18. A cemented carbide for fluid handling componentsand seal rings, the cemented carbide having a composition comprising inwt %: about 15 to about 30 TiC; about 5 to about 20 Ni; about 0.5 toabout 2.5 Cr; about 0.5 to about 2.5 Mo; and the balance WC.
 19. Thecemented carbide for fluid handling components and seal rings of claim18, wherein the composition comprises from about 20 to about 23 wt %TiC.
 20. The cemented carbide for fluid handling components and sealrings of claim 18, wherein the composition comprises from about 0.8 toabout 1.5 wt % Cr₃C₂.
 21. The cemented carbide for fluid handlingcomponents and seal rings according to claim 18, wherein the compositioncomprises from about 9.5 to about 14.5 wt % Ni.
 22. The cemented carbidefor fluid handling components and seal rings according to claim 18,wherein the composition comprises from about 0.7 to about 1.6 wt % Mo.23. The cemented carbide for fluid handling components and seal ringsaccording to claim 18, wherein the composition has a density of fromabout 9.8 to about 10.4 g/cm³.
 24. The cemented carbide for fluidhandling components and seal rings according to claim 18, whereincemented carbide composition has an average WC grain size of from about9.9 μm to about 1.3 μm.